CHARGERS ANALYSIS: Help wanted: Chargers seek RBs

LaDainian Tomlinson is on the open market. So is Michael
Bennett. Even if Darren Sproles signs for another year, the
Chargers must import two top rushers to keep their offense in
sync.

The team has kept its options open, saying it's willing to add a
rusher via the draft or free agency.

Veterans like Thomas Jones or Willie Parker seem like the best
fit for a playoff contender, but Chargers general manager A.J.
Smith won't publicly commit to a particular style of rusher he
seeks.

"One thing is obvious, and even I won't dance around it: We're
in the running back business," Smith said. "LT is gone. Michael
Bennett is gone and Sproles has been tendered, but nothing has been
finalized. You could have three new running backs here, at least
two. We'll have some new running backs in here. How we acquire them
remains uncertain."

While Sproles is almost certain to return ---- barring a trade
---- the Chargers don't view him as a primary ball carrier. They
need a running back who can effectively run between the tackles,
one who can take a pounding and thrive in an offense focused on
passing.

How they find such a runner depends on how the team deals with
its situation at defensive tackle.

Alfonso Boone has been re-signed, and the Chargers are
negotiating with Ian Scott, but the team on Thursday cut long-time
starter Jamal Williams. If the team is able to re-sign Williams, he
would anchor a group that has thrived on rotation.

What will the Chargers do as they journey into a future made
uncertain by a 2010 season without a salary cap?

The Chargers are again Super Bowl contenders, but that doesn't
mean they're going for the quick fix.

That means the Chargers will approach this offseason like any
other, with surprising draft picks and little movement in free
agency. Unlike past seasons, the Chargers can't draft for depth.
They need to fix their problems at running back ---- most likely in
the second round, maybe with Stanford's Toby Gerhart ----- and
their lack of depth along the defensive line.

That move will likely come in the first round, where the
Chargers will draft an heir apparent to Williams, the central
figure of a 3-4 defensive scheme. The Chargers still plan to pursue
depth at several positions.

That's a goal made easier by the labor negotiations that
converted many top-tier players from unrestricted free agents to
restricted ones. The Chargers reaped the benefits of such rules.
Several key Chargers free agents became restricted under the unique
rules, fending off the eventual frenzy produced by such a glut of
free agents.

"It would appear that we benefitted considering the breakdown of
players that became restricted free agents, Smith said. "It appears
that all these players will be a Charger in 2010, where it would've
been the wild, wild west under (normal guidelines)."

The Chargers have likely kept receivers Vincent Jackson and
Malcom Floyd, outside linebacker Shawne Merriman and left tackle
Marcus McNeill by guaranteeing themselves a first-and a third-round
draft pick if another team signs any of them. They got rid of
Antonio Cromartie in trade, the first step of what will likely be a
character purge.

Cromartie was viewed as a bad seed, as is Merriman.

While Merriman was offered a high tender, several sources have
said this will be his last season in San Diego.

"We intend for him to return, which is why we gave him a
tender," Smith said.

"I don't know what the interest will be coming back. I don't
know where that goes."

That's always subject to change, but Merriman must produce at a
level more consistent with his first three years (2005-07) for the
Chargers to consider retaining him beyond 2010.

Jackson is not considered among the character problems, despite
two DUI convictions and a pending charge of driving with a
suspended license.

According to a team source, Jackson's off-field actions have no
bearing on the Chargers' desire to pursue a long-term deal with
him.

The team will wait and watch its unrestricted free agents,
hoping to win it all before unrestricted free agency changes the
complexion of their roster.

Locking up tight end Antonio Gates is the team's top priority,
followed by deals for McNeill and eventually Floyd and Jackson.

Don't be surprised if the Chargers are active in the trade
market.

"We're going to explore every option," Smith said. "This will be
an interesting offseason, and I believe we'll become a better team
for the experience."